Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $63,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Coos Bay, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coos Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,584 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,597) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing (LPN) in Coos Bay, Oregon, can expect a starting salary of approximately $63,185, a figure that underscores the typical entry-level earnings in the area. This amount is notably lower than the city's median annual salary for LPNs, which stands at $79,597, revealing a significant gap that new professionals will need to navigate as they gain experience. However, those who start on the lower end of the pay scale can anticipate a growth trajectory as they move into their careers, with expected earnings rising to around $76,117 as they reach more experienced roles, ultimately aligning closer to the median over the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Coos Bay presents a favorable job market for fresh graduates, who can find opportunities to advance their careers in a supportive environment.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coos Bay
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coos Bay
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Coos Bay, OR typically start between $63,185 and $76,117 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,709 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,597 — 16.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Oregon of $16,000 represents just 25.32% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,185/year) in Coos Bay. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Coos Bay
- 1Research the Coos Bay market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,185 to $76,117, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coos Bay, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Coos Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coos Bay's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Coos Bay is $36,709 ( 58.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,894.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,535
2025 BLS Actual
$59,778
2026 Current Est.
$63,185
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,887 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,787 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Coos Bay, OR grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,535 in 2019 to $59,778 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,787. New graduates entering the Coos Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Coos Bay
For new LPNs in Coos Bay, there are several local employers who actively seek recent graduates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where on-the-job orientation is common. Additionally, home health agencies provide flexible scheduling options, making them attractive to those entering the workforce. However, candidates may face stronger competition in physician offices, as these settings often prefer applicants with relevant outpatient experience. Essential credentials to boost starting pay include maintaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and successfully passing the NCLEX-PN exam. New LPNs may also consider pursuing specialized certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, to enhance their qualifications. During the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations should reflect the regional dynamics of the profession, where long-term care employs a significant portion of LPNs, and pathways to further education, such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs, can provide additional career advancements.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Coos Bay in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Coos Bay?
Is nursing school worth it in Coos Bay?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Coos Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov